Agricultural compositions and applications utilizing essential oils

ABSTRACT

In general, embodiments of the present invention provide seed, soil, and plant treatment compositions, and methods of making and using such products and compositions. The use of these products and compositions can act as a plant protectant and increase the growth, health, and yield of various seeds and plants such as crops and grasses, and further provide similar benefit to soils.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 14/790,687, filed on Jul. 2, 2015 which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/020,059, filed on 2 Jul. 2014 and whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference. A claim of priority ismade.

BACKGROUND

Pesticides or pesticidal methods, such as insecticides, are generallyused to increase food production, decrease the amount of diseasecarrying pests, and limit human contact with such pests. Currently, theprimary method of controlling such pests is through the application ofpesticides containing synthetic chemical compounds. Not only are suchchemicals becoming less effective at controlling and/or killing thepests, but they can also cause undesirable effects on both theenvironment and humans.

Initially many of the synthetic chemicals utilized as pesticides werevery effective in controlling and/or killing the pests. However, afterextensive usage the pests eventually build up a tolerance or resistanceto some such chemicals. Once one chemical loses its utility, othersynthetic chemical that the pests have not yet developed a tolerancefor, are used. This cycle can result in a very large number of syntheticchemicals being released, largely unchecked, into the environment. Theinteraction of any synthetic chemical, let alone a number of suchchemicals with the environment always comes with unexpectedconsequences. The non-selective way in which synthetic chemicals controlpests also makes them undesirable. The chemicals can often haveunexpected and serious detrimental effects on desirable insects oranimals as well as the pest insect or animal. The chemicals can alsocontaminate areas in which humans have significant contact and causeserious effects on human health. Because of the large number of suchsynthetic chemicals in the environment, the interaction of suchchemicals is inevitable. Often, the combined effect, often called thesynergistic effect, of such chemicals can greatly outweigh theirsingular effects.

Furthermore, synthetic chemicals can often persist in the environmentalmost indefinitely. These concerns, and others, have lead the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate and even ban anumber of synthetic chemicals used as pesticides.

Because of the often detrimental effects of synthetic chemicalpesticides and the EPA's regulatory ban of some such chemicals, a numberof alternatives to synthetic chemical pesticides have been proposed andresearched.

One such alternative is the use of biological organisms to control theundesired pests. Although this approach has had some significantadvances and triumphs, concerns regarding the organism that is beingreleased to control the pest will always remain. Another alternativethat is seeing an increased level of interest, is the use of naturalpesticides. Natural pesticides are compounds that exist in nature (e.g.in plants, animals, or other insects) and have properties that allowthem to be used as is, combined, or modified to be used as pesticides.

In applications utilizing essential oils, the stability andvolatilization of essential oil emulsions make their use in agriculturedifficult. Certain emulsifiers are ineffective to use due to theiraffinity for nutrients, ultimately inhibiting the ability of thecomposition to deliver the intended value to a seed, plant or soil.

SUMMARY

In general, embodiments of the present invention provide seed, soil, andplant treatment compositions, and methods of making and using suchproducts and compositions. The use of these products and compositionscan act as a plant protectant and increase the growth, health, and yieldof various seeds and plants such as crops and grasses, and furtherprovide similar benefit to soils.

In general, embodiments of the present invention provide seed, soil, andplant treatment compositions, and methods of making and using suchproducts and compositions. The use of these products and compositionscan act as a plant protectant and increase the growth, health, and yieldof various seeds and plants such as crops and grasses, and furtherprovide similar benefit to soils.

In some embodiments, a seed, soil, or plant treatment composition cancomprise one or more essential oils and one or more emulsifiers, whereinthe one or more essential oils are present as an emulsion and theaverage particle size of the one or more essential oils in the emulsionis less than about 25 microns.

In other embodiments, a seed, soil, or plant treatment composition cancomprise one or more essential oils one or more emulsifiers and a metalchelated compound, wherein the one or more essential oils comprise thymeessential oil, oregano essential oil, or cinnamon essential oil.

In other embodiments, a seed, soil, or plant treatment composition cancomprise synthetic cinnamaldehyde and one or more essential oils fromthe Lamiaceae family. In one example, essential oils from the Lamiaceaefamily can include essential oils from the Thymus genus, the Origanumgenus, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, a method of treating a seed, soil, or plant cancomprise applying a treatment composition to one or more of a seed,soil, and a plant, wherein the treatment composition comprises one ormore essential oils and an emulsifier, wherein the one or more essentialoils are present as an emulsion and the average particle size of the oneor more essential oils in the emulsion is less than about 25 microns.

In another embodiment, a method of treating a seed, soil, or plant toincrease the health of seeds and growing plants can comprise applying atreatment composition to one or more of a seed, soil, and a plant, thetreatment composition comprises one or more essential oils, wherein theone or more essential oils comprise thyme essential oil, oreganoessential oil, or cinnamon essential oil, and increasing the health ofseeds and growing plants can include enhancing yield, germination rate,growth, nutrient uptake and retention, drought resistance, and temporalbio-availability of nutrients in and around a seed or plant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block flow diagram of a method of making anessential oil dispersion, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block flow diagram of a method of treating seeds,soil, plants or combinations thereof with an essential oil treatmentcomposition, according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 3A-D illustrate results from a soy bean greenhouse study usingessential oil compositions, according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate yield results from a soy bean field study usingessential oil compositions, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates results from a field corn study using essential oilcompositions, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates results from greenhouse corn study using essentialoil compositions, according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-B illustrate circumferential growth of fungal pathogens todemonstrate fungal inhibition properties of essential oil andmicronutrient compositions, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, embodiments of the present invention provide seed, soil, andplant treatment compositions, and methods of making and using suchproducts and compositions. The use of these products and compositionscan act as a plant protectant and increase the growth, health, and yieldof various seeds and plants such as crops and grasses, and furtherprovide similar benefit to soils. Embodiments relate to compositionsincluding essential oils for protection of a plant seed or foliage,improvement of soil health through preferential enhancement ofbeneficial soil microbes, enhancement of plants' growth, yield andtolerance to adverse conditions. Such compositions including essentialoils further provided incidental pesticidal benefits, which benefittreated seeds, soils, and plants. Embodiments of the present inventionprovide a variety of treatment compositions for enhancing the health ofa seed or growing plant.

As used herein, the recited terms have the following meanings. All otherterms and phrases used in this specification have their ordinarymeanings as one of skill in the art would understand after review ofthis disclosure.

As used herein, the term “essential oils” refers to aromatic, volatileliquids extracted from plant material. Essential oils are oftenconcentrated hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aroma compounds.Essential oil chemical constituents can fall within general classes,such as terpenes (e.g., p-Cymene, limonene, sabinene, a-pinene,y-terpinene, b-caryophyllene), terpenoids (e.g., citronellal, thymol,carvacrol, carvone, borneol) and phenylpropanoids (e.g., cinnamaldehyde,eugenol, vanillin, safrole). Essential oils can be natural (i.e.,derived from plants), or synthetic. Essential oils can include one ormore of African basil, bishop's weed, cinnamon, clove, coriander, cumin,garlic, kaffir lime, lime, lemongrass, mustard oil, menthol, oregano,rosemary, savory, Spanish oregano, thyme, anise, ginger, bay leaf, sage,bergamot, eucalyptus, melaleuca, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen,cannibus, marjoram, orange, rose, and combinations thereof, for example.

As used herein, “plants” and “plant derivatives” can refer to anyportion of a growing plant, including the roots, stems, stalks, leaves,branches, seeds, flowers, fruits, and the like. For example, cinnamonessential oil can be derived from the leaves or bark of a cinnamonplant.

As used herein “cinnamon essential oil” refers to one or more of naturalcinnamon oil (i.e., essential oil derived from plants in the Cinnamomumgenus), or synthetic cinnamon oil. Synthetic cinnamon essential oil cancomprise synthetic cinnamaldehyde. Synthetic cinnamon essential oil canfurther comprise one or more major constituents of natural cinnamonessential oil. A major constituent is one which comprises at least 1 wt.%, at least 2.5 wt. %, or at least 5 wt. % of a natural essential oilassay.

As used herein “thyme essential oil” refers to one or more of naturalthyme oil (i.e., essential oil derived from plants in the Thymus genus),or synthetic thyme oil. Synthetic thyme essential oil can comprisesynthetic thymol. Synthetic thyme essential oil can further comprise oneor more major constituents of natural thyme essential oil.

As used herein “oregano essential oil” refers to refers to one or moreof natural oregano oil (i.e., essential oil derived from plants in theOriganum genus), or synthetic oregano oil. Synthetic oregano essentialoil can comprise synthetic carvacrol. Synthetic oregano essential oilcan further comprise one or more major constituents of natural oreganoessential oil.

As used herein, the term “agitate” refers to exerting an outside forceon a material, such as stirring, shaking, or vibrating. A vessel can beagitated by turning, tipping, shaking, etc. A paddle or stirrer can beutilized within a vessel to agitate, for example.

As used herein, the term “emulsion” refers to a system containing two ormore liquids, in which at least one liquid is not substantially solubleor miscible in at least one other liquid. In an emulsion, one liquid,the “dispersed phase”, is dispersed throughout a second liquid, the“continuous phase”, and is often present as a fine dispersion ofdroplets. An essential oil may be emulsified or substantially emulsifiedwithin a carrier medium, such as water. In this example, the water isthe continuous phase, and the essential oil is the dispersed phasepresent as a dispersion of droplets. An emulsion can optionally includean emulsifier and/or stabilizer, which can encourage the formation ofthe droplets by the dispersed phase, maintain the size or shape of thedispersed phase droplets, assist in reducing or reduce the size of thedispersed phase droplets, or combinations thereof. Emulsions cansignificantly increase the surface area of a dispersed phase. Someemulsions can further comprise dispersed insoluble particles such assolid carriers, mineral chelates, mineral salts, or the like. A lowdroplet size of a dispersed phase can advantageously aid in thedispersion of insoluble particles throughout the continuous phase.

As used herein, the term “emulsifier” refers to a substance thatstabilizes an emulsion. The emulsifier can utilize physical properties,chemical properties, or utilize both physical and chemical properties tointeract with one or more substances of an emulsion. Tannic acid is anexample of an emulsifier for essential oils and water.

As used herein, the term “tannin compound” refers to a polyphenolicbiomolecule including at least twelve hydroxyl groups and at least fivephenyl groups. Tannin compounds include compounds utilizing gallic acid,flavone and phloroglucinol as base units. Tannic acid (C₇₆H₅₂O₄₆) is oneform of a tannin compound. Tannic acid can include quercitannic acid andgallotannic acid, for example.

As used herein, the term “chelation” refers to the formation of two ormore separate coordinate bonds between a polydentate (multiple bonded)ligand and a single central atom, typically a metal ion. The ligands aretypically organic compounds, often in anionic form, and can be referredto as chelants, chelators, or sequestering agents. A ligand forms achelate complex with a substrate such as a metal ion. While chelatecomplexes typically form from polydentate ligands, as used herein theterm chelate also refers to coordination complexes formed frommonodentate ligands and a central atom. Mineral chelated compositionsinclude chelation.

As used herein, a “carboxylic acid” refers to organic acidscharacterized by the presence of a carboxyl group, which has the formula—C(═O)OH, often written —COOH or —CO₂H. Examples of carboxylic acidsinclude lactic acid, acetic acid, EDTA, propionic acid and butyric acid.

As used herein, a “fatty acid” refers to a carboxylic acid, often with along unbranched aliphatic tail (chain), which may be either saturated orunsaturated. Short chain fatty acids typically have aliphatic tails ofsix or fewer carbon atoms. Examples of short chain fatty acids includelactic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. Medium chain fatty acidstypically have aliphatic tails of 6-12 carbon atoms. Examples of mediumchain fatty acids include caprylic acid, capric acid and lauric acid.Long chain fatty acids typically have aliphatic tails of greater than 12carbon atoms. Examples of ling chain fatty acids include myristic acid,palmitic acid and stearic acid. A fatty acid having only one carboxylicacid group can be a ligand of a mineral.

As used herein, “lactic acid” refers to a carboxylic acid having thechemical structural formula of CH₃CH(OH)CO₂H. Lactic acid forms highlysoluble chelates with many important minerals.

As used herein, an “inorganic mineral compound” or “mineral” refers toan elemental or compound composition including one or more inorganicspecies. For example, an inorganic mineral compound may be cobalt,cobalt carbonate, zinc oxide, cupric oxide, manganese oxide or acombination thereof. Inorganic mineral compounds may also includescandium, selenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, magnesium,iron, nickel, copper, molybdenum, and zinc, for example. Transitionmetals can also be included and salts, oxides, hydroxides and carbonatesof the above mentioned compounds can be suitable inorganic mineralcompounds.

As used herein, “mineral chelated compound” refers to chemical compoundor mixture including at least one inorganic substance and a derivativeof a carboxylic acid, or reaction product of a carboxylic acid and aninorganic mineral compound. Examples of mineral chelated compoundsinclude but are not limited to cobalt, scandium, selenium, titanium,vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, or acombination thereof chelated to one or more ligands to form a chelate (achelate complex or coordinate complex). Examples of suitable ligandsinclude lactate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, ethylene diamine, andEDTA.

As used herein, an “inorganic fertilizer” refers to a compositionintended to enhance the growth of plants by providing macronutrientssuch as one or more of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium,magnesium, and sulfur. The inorganic fertilizer typically does notinclude significant amounts of living organisms. Inorganic fertilizersoften include micronutrients, such as boron, chlorine, copper, iron,manganese, molybdenum and zinc. Inorganic fertilizers can also includeoptional ingredients such as greensand or rock phosphate. The inorganicfertilizer can be, for example, an NPK fertilizer, a known commercialfertilizer, or the like.

As used herein, “biological fertilizer”, “natural fertilizer” or“organic fertilizer” refers to a fertilizer that includes livingorganisms, or plant or animal matter. A biological fertilizer caninclude components such as manure, blood meal, alfalfa meal, seaweed, orcompost. The fertilizers can be provided in a variety of granular orliquid forms.

As used herein, “pesticide” refers to a composition or product thatkills or repels plant or seed pests, and may be broken into a number ofparticular sub-groups including, but not limited to, acaricides,avicides, bactericides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, miticides,molluscicides, nematicides, piscicides, predacides, rodenticides, andsilvicides. Pesticides may also include chemicals which are not normallyused as pest control agents, such as plant growth regulators,defoliants, and desiccants, or which are not directly toxic to pests,such as attractants and repellants. Some microbial pesticides may bebacteria, viruses, and fungi that cause disease in given species ofpests. Pesticides may be organic or inorganic. Pesticides applied toplant seeds may remain on the surface of the seed coat followingapplication, or may absorb into the seed and translocate throughout theplant.

As used herein, “herbicide” refers to a composition or product thatkills or deters weed growth. One example of an herbicide includesglyphosate (i.e., RoundUp® herbicide).

As used herein, “insecticide” refers to a composition or product thatkills or repels insects. Examples of insecticides include Sevin(carbaryl), permethrin, and bacillus thruingiensis

As used herein, “foliar” or “folial” refers to the foliage of a plant orcrop, or applying a substance to the foliage of a plant or crop.

As used herein, “side dressing” refers to applying a substance to thesoil or in a furor alongside a row of plants or planted seeds, betweenmultiple rows of plants or planted seeds, or around a single plant orplanted seed.

As used herein, “in-furrow” refers to applying a substance within aplanting furrow in contact with or in near proximity to a seed.In-furrow application can occur before a seed is planted, simultaneouswith seed planting, or after seed planting.

As used herein, “genetically modified plant” or “genetically modifiedorganism” refers to an organism whose genetic material has been alteredusing genetic engineering techniques such as recombinant DNA technology.

As used herein, “rapidly soluble mineral chelated product” refers to amineral chelated compound that has been altered to increase solubilityin a solvent. Altering may include reducing in size, filtering,screening or chemically reacting. An inorganic mineral compound may beorganically chelated such that its solubility changes from insoluble tosoluble in a chosen solvent.

As used herein, “seed” refers to anything that can be sown to produce aplant. Seed can refer to an unfertilized plant ovule, a fertilized plantovule, an embryonic plant. Seed can also refer to a whole of portion ofa plant which is sown. For example, seed may refer to a whole or portionof a potato tuber.

As used herein, “solution” refers to a homogeneous or substantiallyhomogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids,liquids, gases or a combination thereof.

As used herein, “mixture” refers to a combination of two or moresubstances in physical or chemical contact with one another.

As used herein, “contacting” refers to the act of touching, makingcontact, or of bringing to immediate or close proximity, including atthe cellular or molecular level, for example, to bring about aphysiological reaction, a chemical reaction, or a physical change, e.g.,in a solution, in a reaction mixture, in vitro, or in vivo. Accordingly,treating, tumbling, vibrating, shaking, mixing, and applying are formsof contacting to bring two or more components together.

As used herein, “applying” refers to bringing one or more componentsinto nearness or contact with another component. Applying can refer tocontacting or administering.

As used herein, “pre-treatment” or “seed treatment” refers to chemicallyand/or physically contacting seeds with a composition prior to plantingor feeding.

As used herein, “reacting” refers to undergoing a chemical change.Reacting may include a change or transformation in which a substanceoxidizes, reduces, decomposes, combines with other substances, orinterchanges constituents with other substances.

As used herein, “filtering” or “filtration” refers to a mechanicalmethod to separate solids from liquids, or separate components by sizeor shape. This can be accomplished by gravity, pressure or vacuum(suction).

As used herein, “carrier” refers to a substance that physically orchemically binds or combines with a target or active substance tofacilitate the use, storage, or application of the target or activesubstance. Carriers are often inert materials, but can also includenon-inert materials when compatible with the target or activesubstances. Examples of carriers include, but are not limited to, waterfor compositions that benefit from a liquid carrier, or diatomaceousearth for compositions that benefit from a solid carrier.

As used herein, “adherent” refers to a material, such as a polymer, thatfacilitates contact or binding of one or more chemicals with a seedduring a seed-pre-treatment process. An example of an adherent issoluble fiber.

As used herein, “enzymes” refers to one or more biological moleculescapable of breaking down cellulosic material. Enzymes include starch,proteins, non-starch polysaccharides, both soluble and insoluble,lignins and those biological molecules that facilitate chemicalreactions within plants and animals.

Embodiments relate to compositions including essential oils forprotection of a plant seed or foliage, improvement of soil healththrough preferential enhancement of beneficial soil microbes,enhancement of plants' growth, yield and tolerance to adverseconditions. Such compositions including essential oils further providedincidental pesticidal benefits, which benefit treated seeds, soils, andplants. Embodiments of the present invention provide a variety oftreatment compositions for enhancing the health of a seed or growingplant. Enhancing the health of a seed or growing plant includesproviding a benefit to the seed and/or plant which is distinct from apesticidal benefit. For example, enhancing the health of a seed and/or agrowing plant can include enhancing yield, germination rate, growth,nutrient uptake and retention, drought resistance, and temporalbio-availability of nutrients in and around a seed or plant. Embodimentsfurther provide for a more consistent enhancement of these benefitsthroughout the lifespan of a plant. The treatment compositions can beused to improve the quality of soil. The treatment compositions can alsoact as microbial catalysts by providing a biological and/orphysiological synergy between seeds and microbes, and between plants andmicrobes.

Compositions herein can act as pesticides, such as herbicides,fungicides and insecticides. Fungicides can include protectantfungicides and eradicant fungicides. For example, essential oilcompositions can hinder propagation or eradicate pre-emergence and/orpost-emergence pathogenic fungi. While fungal infestations are commonlycyclical (e.g., once every five years), and therefore fungicidaltreatments are not theoretically required every planting year,fungicides are typically deployed in fields on a yearly basis to hedgeagainst risk. However, such treatments can be expensive and are oftendetrimental to plant performance, particularly plant emergence.Therefore it is of great benefit to provide essential compositions whichnot only enhance plant growth and health, but also provide fungicidalproperties.

Many embodiments relate to essential oil compositions that can be usedto treat seeds, plants, and soil including mixtures having natural,organic, inorganic, or biological fertilizers, or combinations thereof,with one or more compatible pesticides. These compositions may alsocontain enzymes, fibers, water, and minerals as discussed herein. Suchmixtures ensure or enhance seed germination and plant growth, health,and yield, while protecting seeds and plants from infection orinfestation and harsh conditions, such as drought. Seed pre-treatmenthas shown to be beneficial for a number of reasons. Seed pre-treatmentcan create a zone of pest suppression after planting in the immediatearea of the seed. As a result, fewer pesticide applications arerequired, which minimizes physical damage to plants, reduces applicationand handling costs, and cuts down on pesticide drift problems. Seedpre-treatment can allow for more accurate application of activeingredient per seed or acre. Further, seed re-treatment can require lessactive ingredient per seed or acre than other application methods, suchas in-furrow.

For some pests, such as fungal diseases, protectant seed treatments arepreferable to post-infestation or post-infection treatments because thepathogens live in such close association with host plants that it can bedifficult to kill the pest without harming the host. Other types offungicidal seed pre-treatments include seed disinfestation, whichcontrols spores and other forms of disease organisms on the seedsurface, and seed disinfection, which eliminates pathogens that havepenetrated into the living cells of the seed.

Essential oil compositions as provided herein contain essential oilsderived from plants (i.e., “natural” essential oils) and additionally oralternatively their synthetic analogues. Many embodiments comprise acombination of essential oils. Some embodiments comprise a combinationof natural and synthetic essential oils. In some embodiments, syntheticessential oils can be a “natures equivalent” synthetic blend, whichgenerally mimics an essential oil assay of a natural essential oil byincluding at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, or at least 20 of themost critical essential oils within a natural essential oil. A criticalessential oil can be determined by weight percent, and/or bypharmacological efficacy. For example, a nature's equivalent syntheticoil can comprise the following constitutions as provided in Table 1:

TABLE 1 Nature's Equivalent Synthetic Thyme Essential Oil: ConstituentWt. % Thymol  42.7-44.08 para-Cymene 26.88-27.09 Linalool  4.3-4.34alpha-Pinene  4.1-4.26 alpha-Terpineol 3.14-3.14 1,8-Cineole 2.82-3.01beta-Caryophellene 1.98-2.27 Limonene 1.59-1.78 delta-3-Carene  1.3-1.41beta-Myrcene 1.26-1.31 Linalyl Acetate 1.11-1.24 beta-Pinene 1.04-1.22Terpinen-4-ol 0.96-1.14 alpha-Caryophyllene 0.71-0.71 gamma-Terpinene0.7-0.7 Sabinene 0.37-0.5  Borneol 0.27-0.32 Camphene 0.13-0.17

The disclosure herein indicates the efficacy of compositions comprisinga plurality of essential oils which provide a synergistic effect beyondessential oils utilized in isolation. Further, essential oilcompositions provided herein do not exhibit antagonistic effect betweenessential oil moieties within a composition. An essential oilcomposition generally includes an essential oil fraction and one or moreadditional components. The ratio of the essential oil fraction to theone or more additional components in a composition can depend on severalfactors such as administration method, and the nutritional/health needsof the seed, soil, or plant to which the composition is applied, or tothe consuming subject to which the composition is fed. Compositions cancomprise additional components including carriers, emulsifiers, andstabilizers, among others. Compositions as provided herein can be in theform of an emulsion.

The essential oils present in some embodiments can include oils from theclasses of terpenes, terpenoids, phenylpropenes and combinationsthereof. The essential oils present in some embodiments can include oilsof plants from the Labiatae or Lamiaceae family, and the Lauraceaefamily, including hybrids of plants from one or both families. Suitableessential oils from the Lauraceae family can comprise those from theCinnamomum genus. Within the Cinnamomum genus, suitable species caninclude Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum camphora,Cinnamomum loureiroi, Cinnamomum mercadoi, Cinnamomum oliveri,Cinnamomum osmophloeum, Cinnamomum ovalifolium, Cinnamomumparthenoxylon, Cinnamomum pedunculatum, Cinnamomum subavenium,Cinnamomum tamala, Cinnamomum verum, Cinnamomum verum, and hybridsthereof. The species provided in this paragraph constitute anon-limiting list of suitable species within each genus, suchsuitability being highlighted, in part, to lend guidance to one of skillin the art for selecting additional suitable species from eachrespective genus.

Suitable essential oils from the Lamiaceae family can comprise thosefrom one or more of the Thymus genus, the Origanum genus, the Monardagenus. Within the Thymus genus, a non-limiting list of suitable speciescan include Thymus caespititius, Thymus capitatus, Thymus carnosus,Thymus citriodorus, Thymus glandulosus, Thymus Herba-borana, Thymushyemalis, Thymus integer, Thymus pseudolanuginosus (formerly T.lanuginosus), Thymus mastichinia, Thymus montanus, Thymus moroderi,Thymus pannonicus, Thymus praecox, Thymus pulegioides, Thymus serpyllum,Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis, and hybrids thereof. Within the Origanumgenus, a non-limiting list of suitable species can include Origanumamanum, Origanum compactum, cordifolium, Origanum dictamnus, Origanumlaevigatum, Origanum libanoticum, Origanum majorana, Origanummicrophyllum, Origanum onites, Origanum rotundifolium, Origanum scabrum,Origanum syriacum, Origanum vulgare, and hybrids thereof. Within theMonarda genus, a non-limiting list of suitable species can includeMonarda citriodora, Monarda clinopodioides, Monarda didyma, Monardafistulosa, Monarda media, Monarda punctata, and hybrids thereof. Thespecies provided in this paragraph constitute a non-limiting list ofsuitable species within each genus, such suitability being highlighted,in part, to lend guidance to one of skill in the art for selectingadditional suitable species from each respective genus.

The essential oils present in some embodiments can further includelavender essential oils from the Lavandula genus, Mexican bay leafessential oils from the Liteas genus (e.g., L. glaucescens), West Indianbay tree essential oils from the Pimenta genus (e.g., P. racemosa),Indonesian bay leaf essential oils from the Syzygium genus, bay laurelessential oils from the Laurus genus (e.g., L. nobilis), California baylaurel essential oils from the Umbellularia genus (e.g., U.californica), lemon grass essential oils from the Cymbopogon genus(e.g., C. ambiguous, C. citratus, C. flexuosus, C. martini, C. nardus,C. schoenanthus), spearmint and peppermint essential oils from theMentha genus (e.g., M. spicata, M. piperita), rosemary essential oilsfrom the Rosmarinus genus (e.g., R. officinalis), sage essential oilsfrom the Salvia genus (e.g., S. sclarea), anise essential oils from thePimpinella genus (e.g., P. anisum, P. cypria, P. major, and P.saxifraga), ginger essential oils from the Zingiber genus (e.g., Z.barbatum, Z. mioga, Z. officinale, Z. zerumbet, and Z. spectabile),bergamot essential oils from the Citrus genus (e.g., C. bergamia),eucalyptus essential oils from the Eucalyptus genus, melaleuca essentialoils from the Melaleuca genus, wintergreen essential oils from theGaultheria genus (e.g., G. antipoda, G. appressa, G. cuneata, G.depressa, G. hispida, G. hispidula, G. humifusa, G. insipida, G.lanigera, G. leschenaultii, G. mucronata, G. nummularioides, G.oppositifolia, G. ovatifolia, G. procumbens, G. rupestris, G. shallon,and G. trichophylla), cannabis essential oils from the Cannabis genus,marjoram essential oils from the Origanum genus (e.g., O. majorana, andO. dictamnus), orange essential oils from the Citrus genus, roseessential oils from the Rosa genus, hybrids thereof, and combinationsthereof. The species provided in this paragraph constitute anon-limiting list of suitable species within each genus, suchsuitability being highlighted, in part, to lend guidance to one of skillin the art for selecting additional suitable species from eachrespective genus.

In some embodiments, an essential oil composition can include anessential oil fraction comprising two or more essential oils from theLauraceae family and/or the Lamiaceae family. In some embodiments, anessential oil composition can include an essential oil fractioncomprising two or more of cinnamon essential oil from the Cinnamomumgenus, thyme essential oil from the Thymus genus, and oregano essentialoil the Origanum genus. In a specific embodiment, an essential oilcomposition can include an essential oil fraction comprising cinnamonessential oil from the Cinnamomum genus and thyme essential oil from theThymus genus. In another specific embodiment, an essential oilcomposition can include an essential oil fraction comprising cinnamonessential oil from the Cinnamomum genus and oregano essential oil theOriganum genus. In another specific embodiment, an essential oilcomposition can include an essential oil fraction comprising thymeessential oil from the Thymus genus and oregano essential oil theOriganum genus.

In some embodiments, an essential oil composition can include anessential oil fraction comprising synthetic cinnamaldehyde and one ormore of thyme essential oils from the Thymus genus and oregano essentialoil from the Origanum genus. In a specific embodiment, an essential oilcomposition can include an essential oil fraction comprising syntheticcinnamaldehyde and thyme essential oil from the Thymus genus. In anotherspecific embodiment, an essential oil composition can include anessential oil fraction comprising synthetic cinnamaldehyde and oreganoessential oil the Origanum genus. In some embodiments, oregano essentialoil can comprise carvacrol. Additionally or alternatively, thymeessential oil can comprise thymol.

In some embodiments, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 1% toabout 49.5% oregano essential oil, about 1% to about 49.5% thymeessential oil, and about 1% to about 49.5% cinnamon essential oil. Inother embodiments, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 15% toabout 42.5% oregano essential oil, about 15% to about 42.5% thymeessential oil, and about 15% to about 42.5% cinnamon essential oil. Inall such embodiments, cinnamon essential oil can optionally comprisesynthetic cinnamaldehyde.

In some embodiments, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 0.5%to about 99.5% oregano essential oil and about 0.5% to about 99.5% thymeessential oil. In a specific embodiment, the essential oil fraction cancomprise about 25% to about 75% oregano essential oil and about 25% toabout 75% thyme essential oil. In another specific embodiment, theessential oil fraction can comprise about 40% to about 60% oreganoessential oil and about 40% to about 60% thyme essential oil. In onespecific embodiment, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 50%oregano essential oil and about 50% thyme essential oil.

In some embodiments, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 0.5%to about 99.5% oregano essential oil and about 0.5% to about 99.5%cinnamon essential oil. In a specific embodiment, the essential oilfraction can comprise about 25% to about 75% oregano essential oil andabout 25% to about 75% cinnamon essential oil. In one specificembodiment, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 50% oreganoessential oil and about 50% cinnamon essential oil. In another specificembodiment, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 50% to about80% oregano essential oil and about 20% to about 50% cinnamon essentialoil. In another specific embodiment, the essential oil fraction cancomprise about 60% to about 70% oregano essential oil and about 25% toabout 40% cinnamon essential oil. In one specific embodiment, theessential oil fraction can comprise about 66% oregano essential oil andabout 33% cinnamon essential oil. In all such embodiments, cinnamonessential oil can optionally comprise synthetic cinnamaldehyde.

In some embodiments, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 0.5%to about 99.5% thyme essential oil and about 0.5% to about 99.5%cinnamon essential oil. In a specific embodiment, the essential oilfraction can comprise about 25% to about 75% thyme essential oil andabout 25% to about 75% cinnamon essential oil. In one specificembodiment, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 50% thymeessential oil and about 50% cinnamon essential oil. In another specificembodiment, the essential oil fraction can comprise about 50% to about80% thyme essential oil and about 20% to about 50% cinnamon essentialoil. In another specific embodiment, the essential oil fraction cancomprise about 60% to about 70% thyme essential oil and about 25% toabout 40% cinnamon essential oil. In one specific embodiment, theessential oil fraction can comprise about 66% thyme essential oil andabout 33% cinnamon essential oil. In all such embodiments, cinnamonessential oil can optionally comprise synthetic cinnamaldehyde.

Many essential oil compositions comprise an essential oil fractioncomprising an effective amount of carvacrol, an effective amount ofthymol, an effective amount of cinnamaldehyde, an effective amount ofparacymene, or combinations thereof. In an essential oil compositionincluding an essential oil fraction comprising oregano essential oil,thyme essential oil, and cinnamon essential oil, the essential oilfraction can comprise two or more natural essential oils wherein thecombined essential oils comprise at least an effective amount ofcarvacrol, at least an effective amount of thymol, and at least aneffective amount of cinnamaldehyde. Suitable essential oils can includeessential oils from the Cinnamomum genus, essential oils from theOriganum genus, essential oils from the Thymus genus, essential oilsfrom the Monarda genus (e.g., M. citriodora, M. clinopodioides, M.didyma, M. fistulosa, M. media, M. punctata), essential oils from theTrachyspermum genus (e.g., T. ammi), essential oils from the Nigellagenus (e.g., N. sativa), and combinations thereof. Other essential oilscan be used such that effective amounts of carvacrol, thymol,paracymene, and cinnamaldehyde are achieved in the essential oilfraction. Such a composition comprising natural essential oils can besupplemented by one or more synthetic essential oils to achieveeffective amounts of carvacrol, thymol, paracymene, and cinnamaldehyde.

In an essential oil composition including an essential oil fractioncomprising two or more of oregano essential oil, thyme essential oil,and synthetic cinnamaldehyde, the essential oil fraction can compriseone or more natural essential oils and synthetic cinnamaldehyde, whereinthe combined essential oils and synthetic cinnamaldehyde comprise at aneffective amount of two or more of carvacrol, at least an effectiveamount of thymol, and at least an effective amount of cinnamaldehyde.Suitable essential oils can include essential oils from the Cinnamomumgenus, essential oils from the Origanum genus, essential oils from theThymus genus, essential oils from the Monarda genus (e.g., M. didyma,and M. fistulosa), essential oils from the Trachyspermum genus (e.g., T.ammi), essential oils from the Nigella genus (e.g., N. sativa), andcombinations thereof. Still other natural essential oils can be usedsuch that effective amounts of two or more of carvacrol, thymol, andcinnamaldehyde are achieved in the essential oil fraction.

Some essential oil compositions comprise an essential oil fractioncomprising one or more of an effective amount of thymol, an effectiveamount of paracymene, an effective amount of carvacrol, or an effectiveamount of cinnamaldehyde. An effective amount of thymol can comprise atleast about 5 wt. %, at least about 10 wt. %, at least about 15 wt. %,at least about 18 wt. %, at least about 20 wt. %, or at least about 25wt. % of the essential oil fraction. In some embodiments, an effectiveamount of thymol can comprise up to about 10 wt. %, up to about 15 wt.%, up to about 18 wt. %, up to about 20 wt. %, up to about 35 wt. %, orup to about 50 wt. % of the essential oil fraction. An effective amountof paracymene can comprise at least about 5 wt. %, at least about 10 wt.%, at least about 15 wt. %, at least about 18 wt. %, at least about 20wt. %, or at least about 25 wt. % of the essential oil fraction. In someembodiments, an effective amount of paracymene can comprise up to about10 wt. %, up to about 15 wt. %, up to about 18 wt. %, up to about 20 wt.%, up to about 35 wt. %, or up to about 50 wt. % of the essential oilfraction. An effective amount of carvacrol can comprise at least about10 wt. %, at least about 25 wt. %, at least about 40 wt. %, at leastabout 55 wt. %, at least about 60 wt. %, or at least about 65 wt. % ofthe essential oil fraction. In some embodiments, an effective amount ofcarvacrol can be less than 1 wt. %. An effective amount ofcinnamaldehyde can comprise at least about 10 wt. %, at least about 15wt. %, at least about 20 wt. %, at least about 25 wt. %, at least about30 wt. %, at least about 33 wt. %, or at least about 40 wt. %, of theessential oil fraction. In some embodiments, an effective amount ofcinnamaldehyde can comprise up to about 10 wt. %, up to about 15 wt. %,up to about 20 wt. %, up to about 25 wt. %, up to about 30 wt. %, up toabout 33 wt. %, or up to about 40 wt. %, of the essential oil fraction.

In some embodiments, oregano essential oil can be replaced by one ormore oils which include at least 45 wt. % carvacrol, at least 55 wt. %carvacrol, at least 65 wt. % carvacrol, or at least 75 wt. % carvacrol.In some embodiments, thyme essential oil can be replaced by one or moreoils which include at least 30 wt. % thymol, at least 35 wt. % thymol,at least 40 wt. % thymol, or at least 45 wt. % thymol. In someembodiments, thyme essential oil can be replaced by one or more oilswhich include at least 30 wt. % paracymene, at least 35 wt. %paracymene, at least 40 wt. % paracymene, or at least 45 wt. %paracymene. In some embodiments, cinnamon essential oil can be replacedby one or more oils which include at least 35 wt. % cinnamaldehyde, atleast 40 wt. % cinnamaldehyde, at least 50 wt. % cinnamaldehyde, or atleast 75 wt. % cinnamaldehyde. Suitable sources of effective amounts ofcarvacrol, thymol, and/or cinnamaldehyde can include natural essentialoils and/or synthetic essential oils.

Essential oil compositions can further comprise one or more of aneffective amount of eugenol, or an effective amount of citronella. Aneffective amount of eugenol can comprise at least about 5 wt. %, atleast about 7.5 wt. %, at least about 10 wt. %, or at least about 12.5wt. % of the essential oil fraction. An effective amount of citronellacan comprise at least about 5 wt. %, at least about 7.5 wt. %, at leastabout 10 wt. %, or at least about 12.5 wt. % of the essential oilfraction.

In some embodiments, the essential oil fraction comprises 100% of theessential oil composition. An essential oil composition can optionallycomprise a carrier. Carriers are ideally inert materials which do notreact with the active components (i.e., the essential oil fraction) ofthe composition chemically, or bind the active components physically byadsorption or absorption. Liquid carriers include water, pure water,such as reverse osmosis water, or other liquids such as crop oils orsurfactants which are compatible with the composition and plant tissue.In some embodiments, the composition will be about 80% to about 99%liquid carrier, about 70% to about 99% liquid carrier, about 60% toabout 99% liquid carrier, or about 40% to about 99% liquid carrier.

Solid carriers such as limestone and diatomaceous earth can be utilized.Solid carriers can be utilized for practical purposes, such as machineryused to coat seeds with essential oil compositions or distributeessential oil compositions into a field. In some embodiments thecomposition can be at least about 30% solid carrier by weight, at leastabout 55% solid carrier by weight, at least about 75% solid carrier byweight, or at least about 80% solid carrier. In some embodiments, thecomposition will be about 80% to about 99% solid carrier, about 70% toabout 99% solid carrier, about 60% to about 99% solid carrier, or about40% to about 99% solid carrier.

The total amount of carrier in a composition can be determined based ona ratio of one or more carriers to one or more elements within thecomposition. In some examples, a particular ratio or ratio range of oneor more carriers to elements within the composition can be determinedbased on plant nutrition, growth, or other factors. In some otherexamples, a particular ratio or ratio range of one or more carriers toelements within the composition can be determined based on technicallimitations of agricultural or processing machinery.

An essential oil composition can further comprise one or moreemulsifiers. An emulsified essential oil fraction can increase thebioavailability and efficacy of an essential oil composition when incontact with a seed, soil, plant, or soil. An essential oil fraction canbe combined with an emulsifier and a dry carrier, or alternatively anessential oil fraction can be combined with an emulsifier and a liquidcarrier, as disclosed above, to form an emulsion. The emulsifier can becombined with an essential oil fraction in a ratio of about 3:1 to about1:3, about 2:1 to about 1:2, about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.5, or about 1:1.An essential oil composition comprising an essential oil fraction, aliquid carrier, and an emulsifier can have an average essential oildroplet size of less than about 25 microns, less than about 15 microns,less than about 10 microns or less than about 5 microns.

An emulsifier combined with a liquid carrier can generally be referredto as a liquid emulsifier. In some embodiments, an emulsion can compriseup to about 35%, up to about 40%, up to about 45%, or up to about 50%essential oil fraction and emulsifier, with the balance comprising aliquid carrier. In some embodiments, an emulsion can comprise less thanabout 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, about 5%, or lessthan about 5% essential oil fraction and emulsifier, with the balancecomprising a liquid carrier. In some embodiments, an emulsion cancomprise about 40% to about 60%, or about 45% to about 55% essential oilfraction and emulsifier, with the balance comprising a liquid carrier.In some embodiments, an emulsion can comprise about 1% to about 10%,about 2.5% to about 7.5%, or about 5% essential oil fraction andemulsifier, with the balance comprising a liquid carrier. In manyembodiments the liquid carrier is water. The liquid carrier content canvary depending on the amount and type of emulsifier.

A suitable emulsifier is larch arabinogalactan. Other suitableemulsifiers include polydextrose, chitin, psyllium, methyl-cellulose,hydrolyzed guar, guar, soy polysaccharide, oat bran, pectin, inulin,Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), xanthan gum, alginate, chemically modifiedcellulosic, Acacia, and gum Arabic. One or more emulsifiers can be usedto form an emulsion. In some embodiments, one or more emulsifiers canadditionally or alternatively be used as a stabilizer. Stabilizers canbe used to alter the viscosity of an emulsion. Altering a viscosity caninclude maintaining a viscosity, increasing a viscosity, or decreasing aviscosity.

In some embodiments, a suitable emulsifier can include a tannincompound, such as tannic acid. Tannin can be used as an alternative toor in combination with the emulsifiers described above. In someembodiments, a liquid emulsifier can comprise about 100% tannic acid,about 80% to about 95% tannic acid, about 60% to about 85% tannic acid,about 40% to about 60% or about 1% to about 50% tannic acid, with thebalance being a liquid carrier.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block flow diagram of a method 100 of making anessential oil composition, such as an essential oil emulsification in anaqueous carrier, is shown, according to some embodiments. One or moreliquid emulsifiers are agitated 102. The one or more liquid emulsifiersare contacted 104 with one or more essential oils, sufficient to createan emulsion. The emulsion is agitated 106 while monitoring at least anemulsion temperature.

The liquid emulsifier (i.e., water and one or more emulsifiers) isagitated 102 in a vessel, such as by stirring, for a time sufficient toproduce visible motion on the surface of the one or more liquidemulsifiers. The visible motion can be from the approximate surfacecenter to one or more surface edges, at the perimeter of the vessel, forexample. The time taken to reach such visible motion depends on the typeof liquid emulsifier and ratio of emulsifier to water (e.g., viscosity).Once a suitable motion is established at the surface of the liquidemulsifier, one or more essential oils are added (e.g., contacted 104).The agitation of the liquid continues and an emulsion begins to form oncontact. The contact rate or addition rate should be slow enough tosubstantially prevent volatilization of the essential oils.

The agitation continues during the addition of the essential oils. Theemulsion begins to form assuming the rate of essential oil addition isslow enough to prevent a high shear environment, adversely affecting thevolatilization of the oils. Agitation 106 of the emulsion then continuesuntil the emulsion temperature reaches about 100° F. to about 110° F.,about 103° F. to about 108° F. or about 104° F. to about 107° F. As theemulsion forms, the viscosity increases. The method of agitation shouldbe adjusted to compensate for the increase in viscosity. For example, ifa stirring method is used, the stirrer or paddle should increase inforce to maintain the same level of movement of the liquid as theemulsion thickens.

The final emulsion can have an average droplet size of less than about25 microns, less than about 15 microns, less than about 10 microns orless than about 5 microns. The smaller droplet size allows for a morestable emulsion and one that previously could not be utilized foragricultural uses due to instability and high volatilization rates.

Referring to FIG. 2, a method 200 of treating seeds, soil, plants orcombinations thereof with an essential oil treatment composition isshown, according to one or more embodiments. An essential oil treatmentcomposition 202 can be applied 206 to one or more of seeds, plants andsoil 204.

The essential oil treatment composition 202 can include one or moreessential oils and one or more emulsifiers. The one or more emulsifierscan include arabinogalactan, at least one tannin compound, such astannic acid, and combinations thereof. The average particle size of thecomposition can be less than about 25 microns, less than about 15microns, less than about 10 microns or less than about 5 microns. Thetannin compound, such as tannic acid, provides better stability,anti-microbial properties and stabilizing characteristics thantraditional essential oil emulsifiers. Although a stabilizer can beused, such as xantham gum or guar gum, the use of tannic acid as anemulsifier renders such previously required stabilizers as optional atbest. The composition also provides a carrier, such as water.

The amount of essential oil applied to seed, soil or plant depends on anumber of factors including application (a higher amount can be appliedto soil than a seed, for example), purpose (i.e., animal deterrentversus plant protectants), and overall composition components. As a seedtreatment (pre-treatment), the amount of essential oil may be about 50ppm to about 200 ppm on a seed to be planted. The amount of essentialoils may be about 0.1% to about 10% of a complete product, includingmineral compounds, carriers, fibers, etc. In foliar applications, theamount of essential oil applied can be about 0.0001% to about 0.005% ofan application or up to about 50 ppm on a plant, due to potential damageto plant tissue. Side dressing, in-furrow or soil applications can be upto about 20% of a product. In addition, the aromatic concentration canbe increased for soil applications intentionally to deter animals, suchas deer from approaching crops or feed plots (at least until desired).

Treatment methods include direct seed treatment, folial, side-dressing,and in furrow. Direct seed treatment methods can be accomplished awayfrom a planting site, at a planting site, and during planting. Forexample, seeds can be contacted with a seed treatment during planting.Direct seed treatment can provide advantages over folial and in furrowtreatment methods by reducing wasted active ingredients and thereby theoverall amount of necessary or sufficient treatment product for a givenseed lot or acreage. Additionally, direct seed treatment formulationscan be more concentrated than formulations directed to folial and infurrow treatment methods. In some cases this is because formulationsdirected to folial and in furrow treatment methods have a higherpercentage of carrier material. The more highly concentrated direct seedtreatment formulations therefore also provide advantages as they aremore easily transported, and additionally or alternatively do notrequire facilities and equipment for mixing the formulations withcarriers or other elements. Seed treatment methods can also reducedamage to plants caused by some methods of folial, side-dressing, andin-furrow application methods, and can further reduce energy usage andequipment required by the same.

Seed pre-treatment pesticides can be applied as dusts, but are oftenhomogeneous solutions or heterogeneous slurries or suspensions. Seedtreatment or pre-treatment 106 can be accomplished within a seed bag orby mechanical means, such as in a tumbler. The one or more seeds can beagitated after applying. Agitating can include tumbling, vibrating,mixing, shaking, and combinations thereof. The applying can beaccomplished by spraying, pouring or other means of contacting theessential oil composition and seeds. Seed pre-treatment can be carriedout at an off-site facility, on-site at the farm, or on-board plantingequipment immediately prior to planting.

The essential oil composition can be combined with one or morepesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, andadherents, including commercial products, without negatively affectingthe commercial product or seeds. Although the essential oils emulsifiedprovide exceptional adherence to seeds and plants, an additionaladherent can optionally be utilized, such as a polymer (e.g.,polysaccharide).

The treatment compositions described herein can be beneficial to avariety of seeds, plants, and soils. The compositions can beparticularly beneficial to crops and grasses, and for improving thehealth of soil used for crops and grasses. Examples of crop plants thatbenefit from treatment with the compositions described herein include,but are not limited to, corn, alfalfa, beans, sugar beets, potatoes,wheat, fruits, oats, cotton, rice, soy, and the like. Additionally, GMOvariants of the above and other plants can be strengthened and benefitfrom the embodiments of the present invention.

Examples of grasses that benefit from treatment with the compositionsdescribed herein include, but are not limited to, lawn grasses, turfgrasses such as grass for sports fields and greens. Specific examplesinclude Kentucky bluegrass, annual bluegrass, clover, Bermuda grass,bentgrass, ryegrass, Indian ricegrass, jointed goatgrass, purplethreeawn grass, downy brome, common rye, and the like.

The composition can additionally include a variety of minerals, eitheras chelates or compounds, such as salts. The chelates can be anysuitable and effective chelate described herein. Examples of mineralchelated compounds include a cobalt chelated compound, a scandiumchelated compound, a selenium chelated compound, a titanium chelatedcompound, a vanadium chelated compound, a chromium chelated compound, amanganese chelated compound, an iron chelated compound, a nickelchelated compound, a copper chelated compound, a zinc chelated compound,or a combination thereof. The chelated portion may include lactate,ethylene diamine, ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA), propionate,butyrate, acetate and combinations thereof. Examples of a chelatedmineral compound include mineral lactate compound, a mineral propionatecompound, a mineral butyrate compound, a mineral EDTA compound, amineral acetate compound, or a combination thereof.

One specific, non-limiting example of a chelated compound is organicallychelated cobalt, for example, having the chemical formula:(CH₃—CH(OH)COO⁻)₂—Co which can be shown as:

The minerals of the mineral chelated compounds include aluminum,scandium, selenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, magnesium, manganese,cobalt, iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc, molybdenum. For example, thecobalt, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc can be lactates, EDTAcomplexes, or sulfates, and the molybdenum can be hydrated molybdicacid.

Salt compounds can include aluminum, scandium, selenium, titanium,vanadium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, cobalt, iron, nickel, copper,tin, zinc, molybdenum. Salt anions can include bromide, chloride,fluoride, carbonate, hydroxide, nitrate, oxide, phosphate, sulfate,formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, oxalate, citrate, malate,lactate, or tartrate.

The composition can also include a fiber, for example, a fiber that canact as a food source for beneficial bacteria in soil or another growthmedium. Fiber can also act as an adherent. Soluble fibers are preferredas they generally enhance product efficacy and stability by keeping lesssoluble materials in solution or suspension due to their inherent chargeand ability to disperse other charged components in solution. Solublefibers also allow for higher composition-to-seed adhesion inpre-treatment. Fiber content within the composition is adjustable tobetter maintain less soluble materials in solution or suspension, and tomodify composition “stickiness” or adhesion properties. Higher fibercontent and “stickiness” is often desirable in seed pre-treatments inorder to ensure sufficient composition binding to and coverage of theseeds.

Fiber content and type can also be modified to control composition-seedadhesion time, and adhesion strength. Because seeds can be pre-treatedoff-site and must be transported to farms, adhesion strength isimportant to ensure that pre-treatment compositions do not shake, rub,or fall off the seeds during processing, shipping, storage, or planting.The higher fiber content and overall concentration of pre-treatmentcompositions in comparison foliar, side dressing, and in-furrowapplication compositions may increase composition density. Lower fibercontent may be preferable for liquid foliar, side-dressing, or in-furrowapplication compositions, which ideally have lower percent solids andviscosities to allow for easier transport and application, and tominimize equipment clogging. Suitable and effective fibers includehemicellulose, for example, the hemicellulose extracted from Larchtrees. Another example of a suitable fiber is a yucca plant extract,commercially available as Saponix 5000 or BioLiquid 5000.

The composition can further include one or more enzymes, including ablend of enzymes. The enzymes can serve to break down cellulosicmaterial and other material, including stover left on a field afterharvest. Useful and beneficial enzymes include enzymes which break downstarch, such as amylases, enzymes which break down protein, such asproteases, enzymes which break down fats and lipids, such as lipases,and enzymes which break down cellulosic material, such as cellulases.Enzymes can be provided within the compositions described herein, forexample, to facilitate a degradation of cellulosic material in and/oraround a seed, soil, or plant.

The composition can also include one or more compatible herbicides, suchas glyphosate. The composition can include many different types offungicides, which may contain active ingredients including but notlimited to: chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate, mancozeb,flowers of sulfur, cymoxanil, thiabendazole, captan, vinclozolin, maneb,metiram, thiram, ziram, iprodione, fosetyl-aluminum, azoxystrobin, andmetalaxyl.

The composition can include many different types of insecticides, whichmay contain active ingredients including but not limited to: aldicarb,acephate, chlorpyrifos, pyrethroids, malathion, carbaryl, sulfurylfluoride, naled, dicrotophos, phosmet, phorate, diazinon, dimethoate,azinphos-methyl, endosulfan, imidacloprid, and permethrin.

The composition can include many different types of herbicides, whichmay contain active ingredients including but not limited to: diuron,2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), paraquat, dimethenamid,simazine, trifluralin, propanil, pendimenthalin, metolachlor-S,glyphosate, atrazine, acetochlor, “2,4-D”, methylchlorophenoxypropionicacid (MCPP), pendimethalin, dicamba, pelarganoc acid, triclopyr,monosodium methyl arsenate (MSMA), sethoxydim, quizalofop-P,primisulfuron, imazamox, cyanazine, bromoxylin, s-ethyldipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC), glufosinate, norflurazon, clomazone,fomesafen, alachlor, diquat, and isoxaflutole.

In one embodiment, the composition is prepared to provide highpercentages of aqueous soluble minerals. Additional optional componentsinclude forms of soluble calcium, boric acid, and the like.

In some embodiments, the composition includes a general mineral complex,including one or more mineral chelated compounds (e.g., cobalt chelatedcompound), and one or more organic or inorganic mineral salts (e.g.,cobalt sulfate). The mineral chelated compound can include one or moreof a cobalt chelated compound, scandium chelated compound, seleniumchelated compound, titanium chelated compound, vanadium chelatedcompound, chromium chelated compound, manganese chelated compound, ironchelated compound, nickel chelated compound, copper chelated compound,magnesium chelated compound, tin chelated compound, and zinc chelatedcompound. The mineral chelated compound can also include one or moremineral lactate compounds, mineral propionate compounds, mineralbutyrate compounds, mineral EDTA compounds, mineral acetate compound, ora combination thereof. Cobalt lactate is one specific example of amineral chelated compound.

Some organic or inorganic salts particular to this embodiment includesalts of aluminum, scandium, selenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium,magnesium, manganese, cobalt, iron, nickel, copper, tin, zinc,molybdenum, or combinations thereof. Suitable salt anions can includebromide, chloride, fluoride, carbonate, hydroxide, nitrate, oxide,phosphate, sulfate, formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, oxalate,citrate, malate, lactate, or tartrate. Cobalt sulfate is one specificexample of an inorganic mineral salt.

Further embodiments of such general mineral complexes include one ormore of a carrier, soluble fiber, and enzymes. Examples of suchcompounds and methods of making are described in co-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/835,545, the disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, the treatment compositions disclosed herein canfurther comprise one or more commercial seed, soil, or plant treatmentcompositions. For example, compositions disclosed herein can be combinedwith QUICK ROOTS® manufactured by TJ Technologies, Inc. In otherembodiments compositions disclosed herein can be combined with Optimize®400 manufactured by Novozymes or INOVATE® manufactured by Valent.

The following Examples are intended to illustrate the above inventionand should not be construed as to narrow its scope. One skilled in theart will readily recognize that the Examples suggest many other ways inwhich the invention could be practiced. It should be understood thatnumerous variations and modifications may be made while remaining withinthe scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

In the examples, application rates such as 15 g/a indicate anapplication of 15 g per acre, or 15 g per about 50 lbs of seed.Essential oil application rates given in ppm indicate the weight of oilsper weight of seeds. For example, 50 ppm EO indicates that the EOcomprises 0.005 wt. % of the combined seeds and EOs.

Commence refers to a seed treatment micronutrient package which has thefollowing composition:

Commence for Soy/Corn Ingredient wt. % R.O. Water 67.13 Lactic Acid2.934 Cobalt Carbonate Basic, Monohydrate (50.5% Co) 1.196 CobaltSulfate, Heptahydrate (20.965% Co) 9.18 Ferric Sodium EDTA (13.26% Fe)9.380545 Manganese Lactate, Dihydrate (20.42% Mn) 3.989777 CopperSulfate, Pentahydrate (25.46% Cu) 2.33984 Zinc Sulfate, Monohydrate (36%Zn) 1.41026 Molybdic Acid (59.2% Mo) 0.010594 Enzyme W 0.010594 LarafeedLiquid 0.941497 Saponix 5000 2.809926

Commence for Wheat Ingredient wt. % R.O. Water 90.869 Lactic Acid 1Cobalt Carbonate Basic, Monohydrate (50.5% Co) 0.403 Cobalt Sulfate,Heptahydrate (20.965% Co) 2 Ferric Sodium EDTA (13.26% Fe) 2.71Manganese Lactate, Dihydrate (20.42% Mn) 0.75 Copper Sulfate,Pentahydrate (25.46% Cu) 0.68 Zinc Sulfate, Monohydrate (36% Zn) 0.49Molybdic Acid (59.2% Mo) 0.004 Enzyme W 0.004 Larafeed Liquid 0.28Saponix 5000 0.81

Commence for Wheat has a total solids content of about 10% (i.e., about90% water) due to the water content in Liquid AG and Saponix 5000.Similarly, Commence for Soy and Corn has a total solids content of about33% (i.e., about 67% water) due to the water content in Liquid AG andSaponix 5000.

Commence is used as a seed treatment by applying the solution to thesurface of the seeds. Generate refers micronutrient package with thesame formula as Commence, which is applied to a seed, soil, or plantduring or after planting. Generate can be applied foliar, in-furrow, orside-dressed, for example.

Essential oil treatments were developed by emulsifying one or more oforegano essential oil, thyme essential oil, and/or syntheticcinnamaldehyde with one of two emulsifiers, ActiFibe (e.g.arabinogalactan) or Tannin (sweet chestnut extract). The notation XDindicates arabinogalactan as the emulsifier, while the notation TDindicates tannic acid as the emulsifier. RALCO SELECT 4XL (SEL OR EO2)refers to an emulsion of essential oils (about 18.75 wt. %), water(about 67.9 wt. %), an emulsifier (about 12.75 wt. %) and TIC gum (lessthan 1%). The essential oils fraction comprised 66.66% thyme oil(approximately 0.13% wt. % carvacrol, 30.5 wt. % thymol, 18.0 wt. %para-cymene, 18.0 wt. % other secondary thyme oil constituents) and33.33% synthetic cinnamaldehyde.

REGANO 4XL (REG OR EO1) refers to a similar formula as RALCO SELECT 4XL,but with essential oils of thyme and oregano, wherein the essential oilsfraction comprised 50% oregano oil and 50% thyme oil (approximately 60.4wt. % carvacrol, 10.8 wt. % thymol, 9.9 wt. % paracymene, and 18.9secondary oil constituents from oregano oil and thyme oil). In theexamples, REGANO 4XL TD can be referred to as “EO1”.

INOVATE® refers to the commercially available fungicide seed treatmentmanufactured by Valent Technologies and has the following composition:

Active Ingredients By Wt Clothianidin¹ 14.340% Metalaxyl² 1.153%Ipconazole³ 0.720% Other Ingredients 83.787%¹(E)-1-(2-chloro-1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)-3-methyl-2-nitroguanidine²N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-DLalaninate³2-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-5-(1-methylethyl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)cyclopentanol

Example 1: Greenhouse Soy EO1 Seed Treatment

In this trial, soybeans were treated with INOVATE, Commence, essentialoils, and combinations thereof, and grown in a greenhouse againstuntreated checks. In this Example, Commence was applied at a rate of 15g/a. The variety of soybean treatments allowed for positive controls inaddition to the untreated checks (negative controls). Ten seeds fromeach of the treatments were selected at random from the total amount ofseeds treated and were planted individually in 8 inch diameter pots. Thepots were placed on tables in a climate and light-controlled greenhouse.Soil for the pots was 75:25 field soil to washed sand mixed verythoroughly in a cement mixer. Plants were watered 3-times per week andwere allowed to emerge naturally and taken to pods/beans. FIGS. 3A-Dillustrate total pod weight per number of plants, total number of seedsper number of plants, average plant weight (i.e., biomass), and averagenumber of pods per plant, respectively. The addition of essential oilsto the soybean seed treatment significantly increased plant performance,and these results suggest that the field yield per acre can besignificantly increased as well. The effect of essential oil containingcompositions on plant health and growth demonstrated in a greenhouseenvironment provides evidence of benefit beyond other incidentalfunctions of the essential oils, such as pesticidal functions.

Example 2: Field Soy EO1 Seed Treatment

In one study, soybeans treated with EO1 were planted in a field alongwith an untreated check. FIG. 4A illustrates a marked increase in weightof pods per foot row for soy plants treated with EO1 versus those seedswhich were untreated. In another study, soybeans were planted which weretreated with EO1, treated with EO1 in combination with Generate appliedat 1 pt./acre (i.e., 1 pt. per 50 lbs of seeds) and left untreated as acheck. FIG. 4B illustrates yield results for the resulting soy plants.It can be seen that soybeans treated with EO1 outperformed the check,while soybeans treated with EO1 and Generate performed best overall.

Example 3: Field Corn Seed Treatment

In this trial, GMO and non-GMO corn seeds were treated with Commence at15 g/a, and additionally Commence at 15 g/a in combination with variousconcentrations of EO1 varying from 50 ppm to 200 ppm. The plantingprocedure for the corn trail was the same as for used for soybeans inExample 2, wherein treated corn seeds were planted (at 1.5 inches deep,twice the depth of soybean planting), watered under controlledconditions, monitored for growth and health with measurements takenroutinely and allowed to grow until the desired end point. Biomass dataof plants grown from treated and untreated seeds is illustrated in FIG.5. In the figure, “EO” refers to the EO1 essential oil formulation.

Example 4: Greenhouse Corn Seed Treatment

In this trial, GMO corn seeds were treated with Commence at Boz/cwt(i.e., 4 oz/acre), essential oils, and combinations thereof. Ten seedsfrom each of the pre-treatments were selected at random from the totalamount of seeds treated and were planted individually in 8 inch diameterpots. The pots were placed on tables in a climate and light-controlledgreenhouse. Soil for the pots was 75:25 field soil to washed sand mixedvery thoroughly in a cement mixer. Plants were watered 3-times per weekand were allowed to emerge naturally. Some planted seeds were latertreated with Generate in-furrow at 1 qt./acre. Untreated seeds wereplanted as checks. Biomass data for all treatments and checks isillustrated in FIG. 6. The top two performing seed treatments includedREGANO 4XL TD and RALCO SELECT 4XL TD, each in combination withCommence. The effect of essential oil containing compositions on planthealth and growth demonstrated in a greenhouse environment providesevidence of benefit beyond other incidental functions of the essentialoils, such as pesticidal functions.

Example 5: Fungal Inhibition

In this trial, Commence, Innovate, EO blends, and combinations thereofwere tested to determine their fungal inhibitory ability against Pythiumaphanidermatum (a pre-emergence pathogenic fungi), and Rhizoctoniasolani (a post-emergente pathogenic fungi). Each pathogen was pluggedonto the surface of applicable agar medium and grown out. 5 mm mycelialplugs were removed from the leading colony edge and placed mycelial sidedown onto the fungicide amended agar medium (either Potato Dextrose Agaror Corn Meal Agar) for evaluation. Circumference of the mycelial growthwas measured every 24 hours. EO blends were applied at 100 ppm relativeto the agar. Commence labeled soy and wheat was applied at a rate of 2oz./50 lbs of agar, while Commence labeled corn was applied at twicethat rate at of 4 oz./50 lbs of agar. Circumferential growth of Pythiumaphanidermatum at 168 hrs is shown in FIG. 7A and Circumferential growthof Rhizoctonia solani at 168 hrs is shown in FIG. 7B. The difference infungal inhibition between commence for corn, commence for soy, andcommence for wheat can be explained by the difference in formulations(higher solids content of Commence for corn/soy) and the applicationrates within this trial. The results in FIGS. 7A-B show promise forCommence and EO blends for use as fungicides.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seed, soil, or plant treatment composition, thecomposition comprising: one or more emulsifiers, wherein the one or moreemulsifiers include at least arabinogalactan; and one or more essentialoils, wherein the one or more essential oils are present as an emulsionand the average particle size of the one or more essential oils in theemulsion is less than about 25 microns.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein the one or more emulsifiers further comprise a tannin compound.3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more essential oilscomprise one or more of oregano essential oil, thyme essential oil,cinnamon essential oil, and combinations thereof.
 4. The composition ofclaim 3, wherein the cinnamon essential oil comprises syntheticcinnamaldehyde.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or moreessential oils comprise one or more of oregano essential oil, thymeessential oil, cinnamon essential oil, lavender essential oils, Mexicanbay leaf essential oils, West Indian bay tree essential oils, Indonesianbay leaf essential oils, bay laurel essential oils, California baylaurel essential oils, lemon grass essential oils, spearmint essentialoils, peppermint essential oils, rosemary essential oils, sage essentialoils, anise essential oils, ginger essential oils, bergamot essentialoils, eucalyptus essential oils, melaleuca essential oils, cannabisessential oils, marjoram essential oils, orange essential oils, roseessential oils, and hybrids thereof.
 6. The composition of claim 1,further comprising one or more metals; wherein the one or more metalsinclude aluminum, iron, cobalt, magnesium, tin, manganese, zinc, copper,scandium, selenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, and nickel.
 7. Thetreatment composition of claim 6, wherein the one or more metals arepresent as a salt, a chelated compound, or combinations thereof.
 8. Aseed, soil, or plant treatment composition, the composition comprising:one or more essential oils, wherein the one or more essential oilscomprise thyme essential oil, oregano essential oil, or cinnamonessential oil; one or more emulsifiers, wherein the one or moreemulsifiers include at least arabinogalactan; and a metal chelatedcompound.
 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the one or more metalsinclude aluminum, iron, cobalt, magnesium, tin, manganese, zinc, copper,scandium, selenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, or nickel.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 8, wherein the chelant of the metal chelatedcompound is one of lactate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, ethylenediamine, or EDTA.
 11. The composition of claim 8, wherein the one ormore emulsifiers further comprise a tannin compound.
 12. A seed, soil,or plant treatment composition, the composition comprising: syntheticcinnamaldehyde; one or more essential oils from the Lamiaceae family;and one or more emulsifiers, wherein the one or more emulsifiers includeat least arabinogalactan.
 13. The composition of claim 11, wherein theone or more essential oils from the Lamiaceae family comprise essentialoils from the Thymus genus, the Origanum genus, or combinations thereof.14. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more essential oils arepresent as an emulsion, and the average particle size of the one or moreessential oils in the emulsion is less than about 25 microns.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 11, wherein essential oils from the Lamiaceaefamily further comprise essential oils from the Lavandula genus, theMentha genus, the Rosmarinus genus, and the Salvia genus.
 16. Thecomposition of claim 11, further comprising one or more essential oilsfrom the Liteas genus, the Pimenta genus, the Syzygium genus, the Laurusgenus, the Umbellularia genus, the Cymbopogon genus, the Pimpinellagenus, the Zingiber genus, the Citrus genus, the Eucalyptus genus, theMelaleuca genus, the Gaultheria genus, the Cannabis genus, the Citrusgenus, and the Rosa genus.
 17. The composition of claim 11, furthercomprising a metal chelated compound.
 18. The composition of claim 16,wherein the metal of the metal chelated compound include one or more ofaluminum, iron, cobalt, magnesium, tin, manganese, zinc, copper,scandium, selenium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, and nickel; whereinthe chelant of the metal chelated compound is one of lactate, acetate,propionate, butyrate, ethylene diamine, or EDTA.
 19. The composition ofclaim 11, wherein the one or more emulsifiers further comprise a tannincompound.
 20. A method of treating a seed, soil, or plant, the methodcomprising: applying a treatment composition to one or more of a seed,soil, and a plant, wherein the treatment composition comprises one ormore essential oils and one or more emulsifiers, wherein the one or moreemulsifiers include at least arabinogalactan, wherein the one or moreessential oils are present as an emulsion and the average particle sizeof the one or more essential oils in the emulsion is less than about 25microns.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more essentialoils comprise thyme essential oil, oregano essential oil, or cinnamonessential oil.
 22. The composition of claim 17 wherein the one or moreessential oils comprises synthetic cinnamaldehyde.
 23. The compositionof claim 17, wherein the one or more essential oils comprise syntheticcinnamaldehyde and one or more essential oils from the Lamiaceae family.24. The method of claim 17, wherein the seed comprises a seed intendedfor planting or agricultural purposes.
 25. The method of claim 17,wherein the one or more emulsifiers further comprise a tannin compound.26. A method of treating a seed, soil, or plant to increase the healthof seeds and growing plants, the method comprising: applying a treatmentcomposition to one or more of a seed, soil, and a plant, wherein thetreatment composition comprises one or more essential oils and one ormore emulsifiers, wherein the one or more emulsifiers includes at leastarabinogalactan; wherein the one or more essential oils comprise thymeessential oil, oregano essential oil, or cinnamon essential oil, andincreasing the health of seeds and growing plants can include enhancingyield, germination rate, growth, nutrient uptake and retention, droughtresistance, and temporal bio-availability of nutrients in and around aseed or plant.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or moreessential oils are present as an emulsion, and the average particle sizeof the one or more essential oils in the emulsion is less than about 25microns.
 28. The composition of claim 26, further comprising one or morepesticides.
 29. The method of claim 26, wherein increasing the health ofa seed, soil, and plant further includes deterring fungal propagation.30. The method of claim 26, wherein the one or more emulsifiers furthercomprise a tannin compound.